Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Marxist Brothers - Mwana Wedangwe (1983)

The Marxist Brothers were one of the leading rhumba bands in Zimbabwe during the 1980s, a group of four Chimbetu brothers. I believe this is the first Marxist Brothers album, recorded in the fervor of revolutionary optimism that filled the country at that time. One of the tracks on this record would become the title track of the equally upbeat Goodbye Sandra compilation from 1988.

Despite suffering from a terrible pressing that especially mars the first tracks on both sides (and the last on the second!), this album sparkles with bright guitars and lovely harmonic singing from Naison and Simon Chimbetu. A couple of the slightly slower songs, such as "Ndiri Wenhano" and "Denda," are wonderful. Simon would split from the band in the late 80s to become a leading rhumba star in the country, but most of the band continued to back him as Orchestra Dendera Kings throughout the 1990s. In fact even on this early album the band's persistent split personality was evident, as the record label says Marxist Brothers (Orch Dendera Kings).

There are a few more Chimbetu recordings coming up here, but at a time when the global capitalist system is in crisis, here is a dose of Marxist rhythms to enlighten the situation.

6 comments:

Apurva Bahadur said...

An amazing album. Can't get past 'Goodbye Sandra' - Apurva from Pune, India.

Rhythm Connection said...

Thanks, Apurva. Another good drop tomorrow.

Tony said...

Great Post, one of my alltime favorite band names. I believe there are only two Chimbetu brothers though, Simon and Naison. The backing band in the early days were members of the Sungura Boys

Rhythm Connection said...

Those Chimbetu boys started in the Sungura Boys before leaving to form the Marxist Brothers. As described here there were two other brothers in the band. Cheers!

Tony said...

of course, I keep forgetting Allan and Brian, my mistake.

Jim Petulla said...

An amazing album.great tunes from great artist.many thanks for sharing.
Recording Connection Jim Petulla